Imo, the line looked better with him in for Simmons. Not great, but better.

What say the rest of you?

Ozey74

09-30-2008, 07:32 AM

I agree. But was that also when Ben started calling his own plays?

Oviedo

09-30-2008, 07:54 AM

While I agree that Stapleton looked decent, IMO they need to move Colon to RG and put Starks in at RT.

steelblood

09-30-2008, 10:09 AM

Colon has not practiced enough at RG to move there immediately.

Stapleton is mobile and smart. Unfortunately, he seems to fall down for no apparent reason occassionally. He may have learned this from Simmons.

RuthlessBurgher

09-30-2008, 10:10 AM

While I agree that Stapleton looked decent, IMO they need to move Colon to RG and put Starks in at RT.

I think this is the way to go. Not this week, though, with the short Monday-to-Sunday turnover. I would use Stapleton vs. the Jags then move Colon over and put Max in at RT during the bye week.

costanza2k1

09-30-2008, 10:53 AM

I wouldn't be shocked if they put Trai in there...was he suited last night? Only reason being he has more game experience.

calmkiller

09-30-2008, 12:01 PM

I wouldn't be shocked if they put Trai in there...was he suited last night? Only reason being he has more game experience.

Only way to get experience is to play. Leave Stapelton in.

MeetJoeGreene

09-30-2008, 12:15 PM

While I agree that Stapleton looked decent, IMO they need to move Colon to RG and put Starks in at RT.

I think this is the way to go. Not this week, though, with the short Monday-to-Sunday turnover. I would use Stapleton vs. the Jags then move Colon over and put Max in at RT during the bye week.
IF that move is to happen, it will probably be as you say.

SteelerNation1

09-30-2008, 12:15 PM

Repeat after me...
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!

RuthlessBurgher

09-30-2008, 12:23 PM

Repeat after me...
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!

Why not? At 6'3" 315, his build seems to be better suited to play guard (Simmons, by the way, has those exact same measurables). He is more of a nasty brawler type that will punch somebody in the mouth in a tight scrum than a guy who is expected to be able to handle speed rushers in space out on a island by himself. I want my interior lineman to be nasty muthas, and Kemo and Colon would be two nasty muthas in there. At this point, you need to have your best 5 guys out there...so it is time to take advantage of that $7 insurance policy that Colbert bought in the offseason. It's either that or starting a guy at guard who was a rookie free agent from Rutgers initially brought in a year ago to compete at center. Give Stapleton one week in Jacksonville, then make the switch during the bye.

ikestops85

09-30-2008, 01:55 PM

Imo, the line looked better with him in for Simmons. Not great, but better.

What say the rest of you?

He certainly didn't look worse than Simmons. That in itself says something.

pittpete

09-30-2008, 04:06 PM

I know this is cruel, but I was seriously happy when Simmons left the game.
I was even happier when I saw he was out for the year.
He is not a smart player at all.
2 false starts on the opening drive at home kind of sealed it for me.
Simmons seems to totally blow it every few plays like his mind is else where.
Keep Stapleton in, he needs the time since he will be starting there next year when we cut Simmons. :Clap

Oviedo

09-30-2008, 04:11 PM

Repeat after me...
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!

Why not? At 6'3" 315, his build seems to be better suited to play guard (Simmons, by the way, has those exact same measurables). He is more of a nasty brawler type that will punch somebody in the mouth in a tight scrum than a guy who is expected to be able to handle speed rushers in space out on a island by himself. I want my interior lineman to be nasty muthas, and Kemo and Colon would be two nasty muthas in there. At this point, you need to have your best 5 guys out there...so it is time to take advantage of that $7 insurance policy that Colbert bought in the offseason. It's either that or starting a guy at guard who was a rookie free agent from Rutgers initially brought in a year ago to compete at center. Give Stapleton one week in Jacksonville, then make the switch during the bye.

Colon needs to be at Guard. With his short arms, Colon will always struggle with speed rushers. We face another 4-3 defense this weekend with speed on the outside. He has the prototypical build for a guard.

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then...

Mel Blount's G

09-30-2008, 04:15 PM

Repeat after me...
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!
Colon is not going to play guard!!!!!!!!!!!

Why not? At 6'3" 315, his build seems to be better suited to play guard (Simmons, by the way, has those exact same measurables). He is more of a nasty brawler type that will punch somebody in the mouth in a tight scrum than a guy who is expected to be able to handle speed rushers in space out on a island by himself. I want my interior lineman to be nasty muthas, and Kemo and Colon would be two nasty muthas in there. At this point, you need to have your best 5 guys out there...so it is time to take advantage of that $7 insurance policy that Colbert bought in the offseason. It's either that or starting a guy at guard who was a rookie free agent from Rutgers initially brought in a year ago to compete at center. Give Stapleton one week in Jacksonville, then make the switch during the bye.

Colon needs to be at Guard. With his short arms, Colon will always struggle with speed rushers. We face another 4-3 defense this weekend with speed on the outside. He has the prototypical build for a guard.

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then...
I agree w/ this assessment. However, I'm guessing the guy repeating "Colon is not going to play guard!!" is referring more to the idea that our coaching staff may be too, ummmm...aaaaaaa...how shall I say this...DUMB, to realize this and intiate the change

ikestops85

09-30-2008, 05:11 PM

Didn't Willie start in a couple of games at guard in his rookie year?

NKySteeler

09-30-2008, 05:21 PM

Didn't Willie start in a couple of games at guard in his rookie year?

He was inactive the first 14 games of his rookie year, then filled-in for Starks the last two...

Steelhere10

09-30-2008, 09:43 PM

I know this is cruel, but I was seriously happy when Simmons left the game.
I was even happier when I saw he was out for the year.
He is not a smart player at all.
2 false starts on the opening drive at home kind of sealed it for me.
Simmons seems to totally blow it every few plays like his mind is else where.
Keep Stapleton in, he needs the time since he will be starting there next year when we cut Simmons. :Clap SHAME ON YOU :Hater . no but serious i almost busted a nut when i learned he was out. H#LL if the coaches won't make the decision, what other way to get them from the lineup. :mrgreen:

Shawn

09-30-2008, 09:56 PM

I wouldn't be shocked if they put Trai in there...was he suited last night? Only reason being he has more game experience.

Essex is the logical choice.

Chadman

09-30-2008, 10:08 PM

Essex being used on the line, somewhere, isn't a bad option. He has never been the worst O-Lineman on the field when given his shot & he looked at home at LG in the preseason.

That being said, Chadman has a lot of time for Stapleton & the whole damn Rutgers OL system- ZONE BLOCKING just like what the Steelers are trying to implement with...umm...mixed success at best.

Chadman actually likes Kendall Simmons- but he never lived up to the high expectations. Perhaps this is all a blessing in disguise?

Shawn

09-30-2008, 10:48 PM

Essex being used on the line, somewhere, isn't a bad option. He has never been the worst O-Lineman on the field when given his shot & he looked at home at LG in the preseason.

That being said, Chadman has a lot of time for Stapleton & the whole damn Rutgers OL system- ZONE BLOCKING just like what the Steelers are trying to implement with...umm...mixed success at best.

Chadman actually likes Kendall Simmons- but he never lived up to the high expectations. Perhaps this is all a blessing in disguise?

Exactly what I was thinking. IMO Simmons has been the worst of the worst on the line this season. It could be a good thing. We need to mix in some fresh hungry talent.

buckeyehoppy

09-30-2008, 11:00 PM

While I agree that Stapleton looked decent, IMO they need to move Colon to RG and put Starks in at RT.

I think this is the way to go. Not this week, though, with the short Monday-to-Sunday turnover. I would use Stapleton vs. the Jags then move Colon over and put Max in at RT during the bye week.

Another vote in favor of your plan RB.

I like Stapleton in there for this week to keep things at an even keel. But he is the backup at RG and C. Having him come off the bench in a pinch makes him more valuable than him being in a starting role.

Besides, they need to get some kind of value out of the $7M Insurance Policy. If they stick Max Sucks into the RT slot, he'll be singing for his next training table for the rest of the season. It won't be the Steelers, but if he plays with any sort of authority he may just be able to hoodwink someone into signing him for big buck$.

buckeyehoppy

09-30-2008, 11:11 PM

Essex being used on the line, somewhere, isn't a bad option. He has never been the worst O-Lineman on the field when given his shot & he looked at home at LG in the preseason.

That being said, Chadman has a lot of time for Stapleton & the whole damn Rutgers OL system- ZONE BLOCKING just like what the Steelers are trying to implement with...umm...mixed success at best.

Chadman actually likes Kendall Simmons- but he never lived up to the high expectations. Perhaps this is all a blessing in disguise?

Chadman, I like what you're saying here and I'm a pro-Simmons guy myself.

But one thing to keep in mind is that Simmons injury could end his career very easily. Linemen are constantly pushing off the Achilles and if he can't rehab it properly, he is probably done.

I don't know about anyone here, but I think we may have seen Kendall Simmons last game as a Steeler last night. Comes at an inconvenient time, but it gives a young player like Stapleton a chance to prove his indispensablility.

Shawn

10-01-2008, 01:43 AM

Starks is a poor RT...definately worse than Colon. I'm not sure that's the solution. To be honest I'm not sure the solution exists on our roster.

Mel Blount's G

10-01-2008, 02:13 AM

Essex being used on the line, somewhere, isn't a bad option. He has never been the worst O-Lineman on the field when given his shot & he looked at home at LG in the preseason.

That being said, Chadman has a lot of time for Stapleton & the whole damn Rutgers OL system- ZONE BLOCKING just like what the Steelers are trying to implement with...umm...mixed success at best.

Chadman actually likes Kendall Simmons- but he never lived up to the high expectations. Perhaps this is all a blessing in disguise?

Chadman, I like what you're saying here and I'm a pro-Simmons guy myself.

But one thing to keep in mind is that Simmons injury could end his career very easily. Linemen are constantly pushing off the Achilles and if he can't rehab it properly, he is probably done.

I don't know about anyone here, but I think we may have seen Kendall Simmons last game as a Steeler last night. Comes at an inconvenient time, but it gives a young player like Stapleton a chance to prove his indispensablility.
Although I haven't ever been over-impressed with his performance, I'd feel pretty bad for the guy if this did end his career. Consider also that diabetics don't heal as fast or as well as the average person. I'm sure shawnmed could give us some details as to why....

Kendoll has type I insulin dependent diabetes same as Jay Cutler right?

frankthetank1

10-01-2008, 07:29 AM

While I agree that Stapleton looked decent, IMO they need to move Colon to RG and put Starks in at RT.

thats the first thing i thought of when simmons left the game. they either have no confidence in starks or do not want to shift around the line as little as possible. they looked much better without simmons though. i think this should be the last season for him

JUST-PLAIN-NASTY

10-01-2008, 08:13 AM

I really think the Steelers are in a position now to take a chance on Bentley. Simmons was the emergency #3 C and the Steelers will have the #1 & #2 C starting if Stapleton plays RG. There is nobody else on the roster who has taken snaps. A G/C signing would make sense. I hear when Bentley passed his physical he looked in great shape. But I also heard he ran in the 6's in the 40. Then there are rumors he wants at least a 2 year deal and not vet min. Makes you wonder why the guy is still available and if all the reports are accurate. If he would take vet min he could at least back-up 2 positions. If there are any other players out there with G/C experience I think it would be wise to bring them in for a look. The Steelers are supposed to bring in Legursky for a workout to take Russells spot on the PS.

Chadman

10-01-2008, 07:07 PM

I really think the Steelers are in a position now to take a chance on Bentley. Simmons was the emergency #3 C and the Steelers will have the #1 & #2 C starting if Stapleton plays RG. There is nobody else on the roster who has taken snaps. A G/C signing would make sense. I hear when Bentley passed his physical he looked in great shape. But I also heard he ran in the 6's in the 40. Then there are rumors he wants at least a 2 year deal and not vet min. Makes you wonder why the guy is still available and if all the reports are accurate. If he would take vet min he could at least back-up 2 positions. If there are any other players out there with G/C experience I think it would be wise to bring them in for a look. The Steelers are supposed to bring in Legursky for a workout to take Russells spot on the PS.

Legursky is one guy Chadman wanted retained on PS...a very solid college career...he's the kind of guy that turns out as those mauling interior linemen that starts for 10 years with little fanfare...glad he's back.

stlrz d

10-02-2008, 07:43 AM

I watched the game on NFL Replay last night. Since I knew the outcome it was easier to focus on things I don't normally look at because I tend to follow the ball.

Stapleton looked pretty good from what I could see. He played a ZBS in college so maybe that gives him an advantage here?

buckeyehoppy

10-02-2008, 10:15 PM

I really think the Steelers are in a position now to take a chance on Bentley. Simmons was the emergency #3 C and the Steelers will have the #1 & #2 C starting if Stapleton plays RG. There is nobody else on the roster who has taken snaps. A G/C signing would make sense. I hear when Bentley passed his physical he looked in great shape. But I also heard he ran in the 6's in the 40. Then there are rumors he wants at least a 2 year deal and not vet min. Makes you wonder why the guy is still available and if all the reports are accurate. If he would take vet min he could at least back-up 2 positions. If there are any other players out there with G/C experience I think it would be wise to bring them in for a look. The Steelers are supposed to bring in Legursky for a workout to take Russells spot on the PS.

At this point, there are hardly any teams out there that need to take a chance on Bentley at his stated price. Granted, the Steelers are one that could take a chance. But they counted the cost and felt like he wouldn't be worth the $$$.

Bringing in Legursky makes more sense from a value standpoint because he has already been exposed to the Steelers system and comes cheap. If he can do anything, it will be a bonus. The Steelers have guys that can move from spot to spot. Colon and Essex can both play G.

The Steelers are thin at OL, yes. But do they really need to bring in a guy like Bentley (at his price)? Not really, especially if he is just going to be an insurance policy at an exorbitant price. The Steelers already have that guy and they don't play him. His name is Max Sucks.

steeler_fan_in_t.o.

10-02-2008, 11:32 PM

I don't know whether or not Colon should be moved to guard, but I do think that he should be moved out of the RT position. He has not played well enough this season and he has a capable expensive player sitting behind him.

papillon

10-02-2008, 11:40 PM

Starks is a poor RT...definately worse than Colon. I'm not sure that's the solution. To be honest I'm not sure the solution exists on our roster.